High costs and long lead times typically required to manufacture custom satellite components threatened mission timelines.
The challenge
EOI Space’s Stingray commercial satellite constellation will be the first US-based commercial operator to fly in VLEO to deliver high-resolution Earth intelligence.
When evaluating precision fluid control component suppliers, EOI Space knew it needed to use commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) parts where possible, to build and launch its proliferated constellation in months – not years – and for a fraction of the cost of traditional builds.
They required a partner with industry-specific expertise, field-proven products, and the capability to deliver adjustments from standard parts to tailor components to various common system requirements. As a global leader in miniature fluid control technology for over 75 years, The Lee Company emerged as the ideal solution.
The Lee Company is not just a supplier – they’re a strategic partner,” said Christopher Thein, CEO of EOI Space.
“From the beginning, their team has been impeccably organised and responsive, providing thorough documentation and expert guidance throughout the process.
“We see many opportunities to grow our relationship as we inevitably iterate and improve upon every one of our Stingray satellites.
The solution
The Lee Company’s degreed sales engineers provided guidance to EOI Space based on Lee's unique understanding of the company's requirements, collaborating with its engineers from initial product selection to implementation.
Since Lee products serve a wide variety of applications and industries, EOI Space could select from Lee’s expansive catalogue of fluid control components successfully proven for use in similar environments.
From solenoid valves isolating the high-pressure propellant tank and regulating the low-pressure flow to restrictors that precisely proportion flow, EOI Space utilised many off-the-shelf Lee components to optimise its propulsion system.
The Lee Company’s expansive product line and reliable COTS parts helped to streamline procurement to accommodate accelerated manufacturing timelines. By purchasing standard parts, EOI Space was also able to reduce design complexity and accelerate in-house testing.
Each Lee component is 100 percent tested for reliable performance, without variation. Standard Lee products can be customised to meet specific pressure, flow, voltage, restriction, and material compatibility requirements.
The Lee Company was also able to modify standard products to expand capabilities without jeopardising product availability, extending lead times, or dramatically increasing costs.
The Lee Company’s in-depth experience helped EOI Space feel confident in the life and performance of all Lee products helping to propel its Stingray satellites. Standard Lee parts are designed for as many cycles as possible – whether thousands or millions.
Components in this application were proven for even higher demand usage/cycle life than needed for EOI Space’s initial mission, providing reliable on-orbit performance to support any timeline.
The Lee Company is extremely proud to play a part in EOI Space’s revolutionary mission to provide accessible, high-resolution Earth intelligence via the Stingray constellation. The company looks forward to continuing this partnership and providing field-proven precision fluid control components to help propel satellites into VLEO.